Outrage as monster crocodile dies days after it was seen with a tangled tail

A giant crocodile has drowned in the Whitsundays days after it was found tangled in rope from a crab pot.

Whitsunday Crocodile Safari guide Mark Norman posted a photo of the dead reptile on Facebook on Wednesday and claims it was found dead with a rope tied around its tail.

"At first, I thought it may have been illegally killed, but I have since learned that this crocodile was reported a few days ago having been found struggling with rope caught up around it," he wrote.

"I ran the tape measure over him, and he was 4.1 metres."

He said it was found where Goorganga Creek meets the Proserpine River.

Mr Norman told Yahoo7 he believes the crocodile got caught in rope from a crab pot, tangled itself and drowned as the tide came in.

He contacted the Department of Environment and Science and while he doesn't blame them for the croc's death, he said he found the situation difficult because the department is based out of Mackay, more than 120km south of Proserpine.

The department confirmed with Mr Norman they had received a call about the crocodile on Saturday, February 17.

"It's also a very dangerous position for them to step into - if I could've done it myself I would have jumped in and cut the rope with a knife," he said.

"It's really unlucky."

Mr Norman said he knew which croc it was having seen it while giving tours.

"I was just starting to get to know him - I could tell who he was because he's missing part of his tail," he said.

"We normally head upstream on tours while he heads downstream."

A Queensland Department of Environment and Science spokesperson said it first received reports of the croc "possibly caught in a rope underwater" on Saturday, February 17.

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"Unfortunately, the animal had submerged under the rising tide and there was nothing that could be done," they said in a statement.

"As the area is relatively remote, the carcass will be left in situ to deteriorate naturally and wildlife officers will continue to monitor the area."

Whitsunday Fauna Rescue Association volunteer Liza Sparke said while crocodiles aren't her expertise, she also contacted the department on Saturday after hearing concerns from residents.

"I was optimistic of the outcome after speaking with locals," she said.

"It's just an unfortunate accident.

"I'm not being critical of the DHP (Department of Environment and Heritage Protection). In rural places sometimes resources are scarce."

Ms Sparke added there didn't appear to be any malice in the crocodile's death.